The Men Who Stare at Goats

Director: Grant Heslov

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Mader, Stephen Root, Robert Patrick

Genre: Comedy, Indie, Off-Beat.

Year: 2009

Running Time: just a bit over an hour and a half

Plot synopsis: George Clooney and Jeff Bridges try to convince Ewan McGregor and themselves that they can create a new weapon for the armed forces…with their minds.

Review: Way off-beat, which means I loved it. Too indie to be accepted, and too quirky to be indie. This film followed its own path, and I thought it was hilarious and a joy to watch. Clooney is fantastic, and Jeff Bridges plays yet another character to perfection. And Spacey’s always good…can’t help that.

Watch for:

• Clooney’s face as he ‘cloudbursts.’ Classic.
• Jeff Bridges unintelligibly letting everyone know he’s going for ice cream.
• unfortunate special effects.
• the chance to see a T-1000, Charlotte from Lost, and Milton, all in the same film.

Film or Movie: Film.

Change the World Factor: No, but maybe a game-changer as far as movies and films go. Told its own story, and in the way it wanted to…regardless.

Buy It: Ya!

Rent It: only if you don’t take my advice and buy it. Buy it.

‘To die will be a great adventure.’
Karl.

(From The Dude, to Crazy Heart, to Obadiah Stane, Tron, and stuff-shirt psychologist in K-Pax…I think I’m the only person alive who actually liked that film…is there anything this guy can’t do? Well, besides pull off that shirt.)

Moon

Director: Duncan Jones

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey (but not really)

Genre: Drama, Plot

Year: 2009

Running Time: little under an hour and a half.

Plot synopsis: Sam Rockwell finds out things about himself while harvesting energy alone on the far side of the moon.

Review: Very interesting film. Very intriguing basis for the plot, and it raises a lot of philosophical questions, and might even be worth a second watch for some of those questions to present themselves further. It’s definitely an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ film, which is refreshing. Well-shot and paced as well. Not thrilling, so don’t expect that. But great as a question-raising character study.

Watch for:

• an amazing performance from Sam Rockwell. Never thought much of this guy after seeing him as the ‘plucky comic relief’ in Galaxy Quest; but wow…after this and The Assassination of Jesse James, the guy can act.
• Verbal Kint’s voice with a Wal-Mart smiley face.
• models still trumping special effects.
• great cinematography and well-directed shots.

Film or Movie: Film.

Change the World Factor: Probably not, but this film has the chance to become more relevant with time.

Buy It: Ya. If you’re into films needing multiple watches.

Rent It: Sure. On a dramatic night, not a fun night.

‘Fools aren’t born; pretty girls make them in their spare time.’
Karl.

(Talk about great shots. Wow. It sounds really cheesey to say ‘talk about.’)